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ERIC Number: EJ1359731
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2022-Sep
Pages: 6
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0031-9120
EISSN: EISSN-1361-6552
Available Date: N/A
Infinity, Self-Similarity, and Continued Fractions in Physics: Applications to Resistor Network Puzzles
Bissell, J. J.; Nagaitis, A. M.
Physics Education, v57 n5 Article 055014 Sep 2022
Puzzles involving infinite networks of resistors are an engaging way for students to explore the idea of infinity and self-similarity in physics. Recently K Atkin has described one such puzzle, alongside a solution based on an equivalent finite network (2022 "Phys. Educ." 57 025015). Here we present a generalisation of this problem which showcases an important perspective on infinity as the limit of a process, and an alternative method of solution using continued fractions. We illustrate how our method can be used to devise new network puzzles suitable for class challenge problems.
IOP Publishing. 190 North Independence Mall West Suite 601, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 215-627-0880; Fax: 215-627-0879; e-mail: ped@ioppublishing.org; Web site: https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/0031-9120
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Secondary Education; High Schools; Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A